Creating and Managing Group Messages on iPhone and iPad: A Step-by-Step Guide

Want to keep everyone in the loop whether it’s your family, colleagues, or a weekend squad? Group messaging on iPhone and iPad makes it incredibly easy to chat, share pics, plan events, and stay connected.

I’ve used these features regularly, and once you get the hang of it, they’re a game changer for keeping conversations organized and manageable.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to create and manage group messages, add or remove people, name your chats, mute alerts when needed, and more. Let’s get right into it.

How To Create and Manage Group Messages on iPhone or iPad

The Different Types of Group Messages

Before you start, it’s helpful to know that not all group messages are the same on iPhone. Depending on who’s in the group and what devices they use, your message might be sent through iMessage, MMS, or SMS.

Here’s the breakdown:

Group iMessage:

• Everyone uses Apple devices with iMessage enabled.
• Messages appear in blue bubbles.
• You can send images, videos, effects, and locations.
• You can name the group, add/remove people, and even leave the conversation.

Group MMS:

• At least one participant is not using an Apple device.
• Messages show as green bubbles.
• Photos and video sharing work, but you can’t name or manage the group the same way.

Group SMS:

• Like MMS, but more limited.
• No media sharing.
• Replies are sent as individual texts, not threaded.

To tell which type you're using, just look at the color of the message bubbles; blue means iMessage, green means SMS or MMS.

MMS Groups vs. iMessage Groups

There is a significant distinction between iMessage and MMS Groups. These two aspects may be perplexing to others, but here's what you should know.

If all members of a group use iOS devices (iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch), all communications will be sent as iMessages.

They will be transmitted as an MMS if at least one member of the group is using an Android handset or another type of mobile device. Here are some of the differences between them:

• If the message is enclosed in a blue bubble, it is an MMS message. If the message is surrounded by a green bubble, it is an iMessage.
• You won't be able to name your group with MMS. When it comes to iMessage, however, you may give it any name you wish.
• Participants in MMS cannot be added or withdrawn. You can remove or add participants to your heart's content in the case of iMessage.

How to Start a Group Text?

Here’s how I typically begin a group message:

• Open the Messages app.
• Tap the Compose icon at the top right.
• In the “To:” field, type in the contacts you want (tap the + icon for your address book).
• Type your message and hit Send.

That’s it! If all contacts are using iMessage, your group will automatically become a group iMessage chat.

How to Add or Remove People from a Group

iMessage groups only: If one person is using Android, you won’t be able to add/remove people or set a group name.

To Add Someone:

• Enter the group chat.
• Tap the group name or icons at the top.
• Tap the info (i) icon.
• Select Add Contact, then choose the person.

To Remove Someone:

• Head to the group message and tap the info (i).
• Swipe left on the name of the person you want to remove.
• Tap Remove.

Note: You can only remove someone if there are 3 or more people.

How to Name a Group Chat?

Naming your group helps differentiate it, especially if you’re in multiple chats.

Here’s how I do it:

• Open the group iMessage.
• Tap the top bar with group members’ names.
• Tap Change Name and Photo.
• Enter the group name you want and tap Done.

You can even set a custom image, emoji, or memoji as the group icon.

How to Mention Someone in a Group Chat?

To get someone’s attention:

• Type their name and tap it when it appears as a suggestion.
• Or simply use the @ symbol before their name.

If they’ve muted the group, they’ll still get a notification of the mention (if enabled).

How to Mute or Leave a Group?

If you need a break from the conversation (or just some peace), you’ve got options.

To Mute Notifications:

• Swipe left on the group chat.
• Tap Hide Alerts (a crescent moon appears).

To Leave a Group (iMessage only):

• Open the chat > tap the info icon.
• Scroll down and select Leave this Conversation.

You can't leave an MMS/SMS group, you’d have to start a new thread without the person.

How to Set up a Photo for Group Messages

If you're using iOS 14 or later, you can personalize your group chat even more:

• Open the group chat.
• Tap the group icon or name.
• Tap Change Name and Photo.
• Choose a photo, emoji, or memoji or upload one.
• Tap Done when you're finished.

This makes it easier to recognize your groups at a glance.

How to Sync Group Messages Across Devices

Want to type faster or use your Mac?

• On your Mac, open Messages.
• Go to Preferences > iMessage.
• Sign in with your Apple ID.
• Check the box for Enable Messages in iCloud.

Your chats will now sync between iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Group Text with Android Users

If someone in the group has an Android device:

• You’re in a Group MMS or Group SMS.
• Messages will appear green.
• No group management features are available (can’t rename, remove people, or leave).
• Replies may come as separate messages (for group SMS).

The only way to "curate" this group is to start a new thread with the desired members.